Summary : Come aboard Le Champlain for an exceptional 15-day circuit from Reykjavik to Quebec. From Iceland, your ship will first head for Southeast Greenland. Discover Inuit culture in Ammassalik and set off to meet the inhabitants of this remote region, with deep-rooted traditions. Then fall under the charm of Narsaq’s multicolored houses, amidst a blue-tinted setting of icebergs with ever-changing tones. Call at L’Anse aux Meadows, on the Newfoundland peninsula. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the only site known to have been established by the Vikings in North America. The vestiges of this splendid 11th-century Scandinavian archaeological site are the very first traces of European presence in the the New World. Finish with a sail into the Saint Lawrence river, a prodigious waterway home to exceptionally beautiful nature. In the Saguenay Fjord, you will discover picturesque fishing villages before heading for the Tadoussac National Park, a wonderful place from which to observe whales.

Welcome to this small, sheltered bay on the east coast of Greenland south of Tasiilaq, for a date with history and ice. When your ship calls here, you will have the opportunity to visit the vestiges of ancient peat houses from the Thule civilization. Then, after navigating through the ice, you will reach the departure point of the first ever crossing of the Greenland ice sheet, led in 1888 by Fridtjof Nansen, a great Norwegian polar explorer. This is a magical place where you can climb a gentle slope to reach the ice sheet’s first foothills and get a better idea of just how gigantic it is.

Discover Skjoldungen Island on the southeast coast of Greenland. This uninhabited land boasts magnificent landscapes that are sure to dazzle you. The island is surrounded by a stunning fjord, a distinctive feature of which is its double entrance; it forms a bend before joining the sea on the other side. Mountains, glacial valleys, rocky outcrops, tundra and willow forests make up the beautiful scenery which you will be able to admire more closely when you land here. At this port of call, surrounded by wild and pristine nature, it is quite common to see bearded seals, orcas, but also birds such as the common redpoll, the northern wheatear, and the common raven.

Your ship glides silently towards the Greenland coast, in a setting punctuated by pointed peaks and majestic glaciers… You are on the verge of crossing the Prins Christian Sund, a narrow channel that stretches out and zigzags between Greenland’s southeast and southwest. Fall under the spell of the primitive beauty of these unique landscapes, including rocky cliffs and waterfalls that are fed by the ice sheet and plunge into the icy waters. Here, bearded seals love to lie on the floating ice to soak up the sunshine. If you are lucky, you may get to witness an aurora borealis, a stunning light show put on by the polar night

After sailing in the Kangerlluarssuk fjord, discover the town of Narsaq. You will be dazzled by the beauty of the surrounding icebergs—large masses of ice in different shapes and shifting colors. Dominated by lush mountains, this small town is typical of Greenland. It is known for its sheep farming, made possible by the rich, grassy plains to the town’s north. This rather rare activity reflects a past and a technique inherited from the Vikings. Admire the stunning interplay of colors between the multicolored house facades and the glaciers with their myriad shades of blue, and dive into the Scandinavian history of Narsaq by visiting the local museum—a unique experience.

If you appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Perce, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Perce owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighboring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region.

The city of Saguenay nestles in a valley through which flows the eponymous river, one of the region’s treasures. As it joins the Saint-Lawrence, the Saguenay River forms a spectacular fjord boasting extraordinarily differing landscapes. From Saguenay, you can explore the attractive Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, which is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. You can combine country walks with boat trips within the various national parks studded throughout this extraordinary natural kingdom.

The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in southeast Canada. The village is bright with multicolored houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation center, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.

Travel Insurance:ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage for trips which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property. Other conditions may apply based on pre-existing conditions. ExpeditionTrips can assist U.S. residents with travel protection options.

Included:Meals and accommodation on board the ship; Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner; coffee, juice, soft drinks and open bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands); port and safety taxes; gratuities; luggage transfer from pier to the ship and vice versa; 24-hour room service (special selection); butler service is included for guests staying in Suites; parka; boot rental. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included: Airfare; any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones included; visa and passport fees; travel insurance; personal expenses such as onboard medical consultations and drug prescriptions, spa, laundry and hair salon; other drinks not included in open bar; fuel surcharge may apply.

Above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Subject to change without notice. Fares may fluctuate DAILY by cabin category and fares generally increase as the sailing date approaches. Please contact ExpeditionTrips for exact rates.

Le Champlain

Overview : Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this brand new limited-capacity luxury yacht boasts just 92 cabins and suites offering you a truly unique cruising experience. Visit the underwater Blue Eye lounge, a multi-sensory lounge located beneath the water line with two large observation windows. Wall-mounted digital screens will project images filmed live by strategically placed underwater cameras. Hydrophones will pick up audio of sea life within a three-mile radius of the vessel. Le Champlain embodies a unique atmosphere of subtle refinement, intimacy and comfort. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

NOTE: This ship is NEW for the 2018 season! As with any new vessel, we strongly suggest selecting a departure date at least six weeks after launch. Please ask for details.

Cabin Description : This brand new limited-capacity luxury yacht boasts just 92 cabins and suites offering you a truly unique cruising experience. All cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony. With a choice of a king bed or two twin beds, some cabins can even sleep 4 people. Each cabin includes individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV with video on demand, hair dryer, bathrobes, and French bath products. Room service is available 24-hours a day, and guests staying in Suites will have butler service.

All details have been provided by the shipping company.

Payment Policy

Deposit: 25% of the total cruise price to confirm your reservation

Final Payment and Forms:Cuba: Due 60 days prior to departureAll other destinations: Due 90 days prior to departure

Optional Excursions: Must be pre-booked and pre-paid at least 60 days prior to departure.

Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All modifications or cancellations must be in writing (registered mail or email with proof of delivery). Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy. These cancellation penalties are applicable to all services booked through the shipping company.

Cancellation Penalties for Packages, Cruises, Flights & Transfers Programs (except Cuba): Up to 91 days: 25% of full fare90-76 days: 50% of full fare75-61 days: 75% of full fareLess than 61 days: 100% of full fare

Cancellation Penalties for Cuba: Up to 91 days: 10% of full fare90-61 days: 25% of full fare60-46 days: 50% of full fare45-31 days: 75% of full fareLess than 31 days: 100% of full fare

Cancellation Policy is subject to change without notice.

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.